IF THE proposed boxing match between MMA superstar Conor McGregor and undefeated boxing champion Floyd Mayweather will not push through, Manny Pacquiao can enter the scene.
Pacquiao’s long-time coach Freddie Roach sees no problem for the Filipino boxing legend taking on the UFC lightweight champion.
“If it’s going to be a boxing match, with boxing gloves and in the boxing ring, I see no problem with that. Manny can beat him,” said Roach on Tuesday during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Golden Phoenix Hotel in Manila.
“I haven’t spoken to him about it and even his handlers, but I like it (idea),” Roach added.
The talks for the Mcgregor-Mayweather showdown have been dragging on and just like what he did to his negotiations with Pacquiao, Mayweather is playing hard to come to terms.
Thousands of miles away, Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum expressed the same idea and sounded off to UFC’s Dana White that the Filipino boxing senator can fight Mcgregor if Mayweather will not take the deal.
“If McGregor is still looking for an opponent, Manny Pacquiao is there,” Arum was quoted by TMZ Sports as reported by bloodyelbow.com.
Pacquiao is currently in the thick of his training for his fight with Australian rising star Jeremy Horn in defense of his World Boxing Organization welterweight title in Brisbane, Australia.
“It’s our main focus right now and Manny is still 70 percent fit for the fight but we will get there,” said Arum.
Roach said Pacquiao’s punching power has not diminished and that makes him dangerous against Horn, or even Mcgregor, in case they meet on the ring.
“We don’t intend to reach the distance,” added Roach, hinting of a knockout win.